Magoha Warns Schools Against Demanding Unnecessary Requirements From Students During Admission
Prof George Magoha, the Education Cabinet Secretary, has informed headteachers against making unreasonable demands on Form One students ahead of their entrance on Tuesday, May 3.
Lydia Kadima 
When announcing the placement of form one pupils, Magoha issued a strong warning to school heads, accusing them of denying eligible children admittance due to unapproved goods by the ministry.
The CS mentioned that this was to make sure that the government provides affordable basic education to the citizens of the country and protects parents from being burdened with unnecessary expenses.
"We are committed to ensuring that parents of learners who are joining Form One are not overburdened with unnecessary requirements that increase the cost of education. The idea here is to admit Kenyan child into a public school where secondary school is free," the CS said
The items on the list include Exercise books, novels, class readers or set books, mathematics sets, atlases, copier papers, and foolscaps.
Jembes, Pangas, and hockey sticks are also among the non-academic items that teachers should not demand from pupils during admission.
Magoha added that the government has put aside money to fund education in public schools and would cover the costs of classroom equipment and any school head who is found refusing to admit pupils due to the items will be prosecuted.
"Principals should therefore exercise precaution when listing requirements as part of the measures to the cost of education. Do not stop the child from going to the school, if you do, I am still the head of this ministry, I will come for you," Magoha warned.
